Government Relationshttps://www.autismspeaks.org/taxonomy/term/16366/0
enOn the Road to Autism Insurance Reform – NC Stories – The Pearceshttps://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/07/02/road-autism-insurance-reform-%E2%80%93-nc-stories-%E2%80%93-pearces
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<p>The Pearces of Greensboro, N.C. struggle every day with the high cost of autism-related therapy. </p>
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<p><em>Lorri Unumb, vice president of state government affairs for Autism Speaks, travels the country advocating for families and individuals facing the challenges of autism. This is her ongoing series &quot;On The Road For Autism Reform.&quot;</em></p>
<p>The best part of my job is meeting amazing autism families all around the country.&nbsp; During my time in North Carolina recently, I have heard so many inspirational stories from all corners of the state, and I want to share them during these last few weeks of the legislative session.&nbsp; Each day, I will share a post written by a North Carolina family who is working to help pass autism insurance reform this year.&nbsp; Some of these families desperately need coverage for their own child; some of them are working solely for the benefit of others.&nbsp; These people inspire me every single day.</p>
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Meet the Pearces</h4>
<p><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/family.jpg" style="margin-right:auto;margin-left: auto; max-width:100%; display: block;" /></p>
<p>One in 68. One in 42. My three-year-old son Charlie is that one in every 68 children who has been diagnosed with autism. He also is one of those every 42 boys who has been diagnosed with autism.</p>
<p>Charlie was diagnosed on the autism spectrum at age 20 months when his pediatrician noted that his development was behind in several areas.&nbsp;&nbsp; Since being diagnosed in September of 2012, Charlie has been in various kinds of therapy, including food and eating therapy (which is what it sounds like; it is teaching Charlie to eat regularly since his sensory issues prevent him from even trying to put most kinds of food in his mouth). Since starting these doctor-prescribed therapies, we have seen a huge impact in Charlie&rsquo;s developmental growth across the board. We are thrilled with how successful the therapies have been so far. Indeed, the teachers at Charlie&rsquo;s preschool have remarked how much he has blossomed since starting treatment.&nbsp; Unfortunately, therapy does not come at a small cost. Luckily, we are in a position where we can afford to give Charlie what he needs, but it takes a bite out of our budget.&nbsp; We recognize that all families in North Carolina dealing with these same issues are not as fortunate financially as we are. As a result, we know that some families have to make the choice not to put their children in these therapies because they simply cannot afford it because their health insurance plans have not covered the therapies. This is a problem that needs to be addressed, and the pending autism insurance bill will do that.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img align="right" alt="" border="0" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/on_the_road_charliecropped.jpg" style="padding: 5px; margin-left: 5px; border: 0px;" /></p>
<p>Upon learning of Charlie&rsquo;s diagnosis, I contacted my law firm&rsquo;s HR department to see if the therapy Charlie needed was covered. The answer that I received was that it was unfortunately not covered. I am proud to say that at my urging, my law firm, Nexsen Pruet, investigated the issue and has voluntarily added coverage that is compliant with the autism coverage law in South Carolina (our firm is in South Carolina and North Carolina).&nbsp; My firm did not have to add this coverage because we are self-insured and thus fall under federal law rather than state law. However, my firm recognized the importance of the coverage and provided it. I am very proud of that fact, and I think it reflects the importance of the issue.&nbsp; I truly believe the only reason I got this done was because a law was in place in South Carolina.&nbsp; Once this bill is passed in North Carolina, more of our corporate citizens who are similarly self-insured will follow my firm&#39;s lead. &nbsp;I have no doubt. Enactment of the autism insurance legislation will make this change happen.</p>
<p>Autism should not be a partisan issue.&nbsp; When the autism insurance bill was introduced, it was introduced by Republicans and a Democrat and many more Republicans and Democrats signed on as co-sponsors.&nbsp; I see no need for this bill to take anything other than a bi-partisan approach that will help it move through the short session to passage quickly.</p>
<p>We can say from a personal perspective that this therapy works. Our son is living proof of that.&nbsp; The therapy needs to be available to all North Carolinians. The autism insurance bill will make that happen. You can make that happen. We ask you do that not only for our son, but for other similar children and families.</p>
<p>Brian Pearce</p>
<p>Greensboro, NC</p>
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2014/07/02/road-autism-insurance-reform-%E2%80%93-nc-stories-%E2%80%93-pearces#commentsABAGovernment RelationsGovernment RelationsInsuranceNorth CarolinaRoad to Autism Insurance ReformWed, 02 Jul 2014 16:25:19 +0000Felipe Maya266651 at https://www.autismspeaks.orgOn the Road: Encouraging the Autism Champion in Us Allhttps://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/09/12/road-encouraging-autism-champion-us-all
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<p>Lorri Unumb talks to a military father and addresses a 500-strong crowd with her talk, “Autism Coverage for Everyone”</p>
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<p><em>Lorri Unumb, vice president of state government affairs for Autism Speaks, travels the country advocating for families and individuals facing the challenges of autism.&nbsp;This is the second post&nbsp;from her&nbsp;&quot;On The Road For Autism Reform&quot; blog.</em></p>
<p>I spent time in a couple of my favorite cities during the past week: Washington, D.C. and Charleston, South Carolina.</p>
<p>In D.C., I had many meetings, including a great breakfast meeting with Matt Thrasher, a military autism dad and former student in my &ldquo;Autism and the Law&rdquo; class at GW Law School. Matt is working on a law review essay regarding autism and the Affordable Care Act, and I enjoyed catching up with him.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/images/blog/dsc_0306_2.jpg" style="width: 580px; height: 387px;" /></p>
<p>Lorri with Matt Thrasher.</p>
<p>In Charleston, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Lowcountry Autism Forum, a free, all-day conference that was attended by 500+ people (see <a href="http://www.lowcountryautismconsortium.org">www.lowcountryautismconsortium.org</a>). I gave a keynote presentation called &ldquo;Autism Coverage for Everyone&rdquo; on Saturday morning and received this heartwarming email a few days later:</p>
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Hi Mrs. Unumb, I had the pleasure of hearing you speak&mdash;so very eloquently I might add, at the Conference/Lowcountry Autism Forum this past weekend. Instead of being somewhat defeated, I was encouraged to again, pick the mantle for our son, Christopher and start advocating for him again. He is a delightful 12 y.old who has been diagnosed as autistic and I was truly challenged by a number of things that you said and aptly pointed out-that maybe we can still make a difference for Christopher, even with him being 12 y.old, I&rsquo;m trusting we can provide some positive, practical supports to have him reach his full potential.</p>
<p>Since we are located in Columbia, we are looking in to the Autism Academy and will tour the facility this Thursday. I just wanted to send you a quick note to thank you for encouraging and reigniting that fire underneath me , thanks I needed that!</p>
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You are truly a champion and an advocate, in the true sense of the word. Thank you many times over! Who would have thought that from this past weekend, such knowledge an inspiration would have come from me being in the audience while you spoke.</p></blockquote>
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Sincerely, Jackie Patterson</p></blockquote>
<p>Thank YOU, Jackie. Messages like yours remind me why I love my job with Autism Speaks and feel honored to be &ldquo;on the road to autism insurance reform&rdquo;!</p>
<p>Here are some great images from the Lowcountry Autism Forum.</p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/images/blog/gc1_8483-edit.jpg" style="width: 580px; height: 322px;" /></p>
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<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/images/blog/lorri_speaking.jpg" style="width: 580px; height: 409px;" /></p>
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2013/09/12/road-encouraging-autism-champion-us-all#commentsABLEGovernment RelationsGovernment RelationsLorri UnumbMilitary FamiliesRoad to Autism Insurance ReformThu, 12 Sep 2013 20:15:16 +0000Christine Hart244116 at https://www.autismspeaks.orgThe Federal Response to Autismhttps://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/05/29/federal-response-autism
<p><em><strong>A Government Affairs Update&nbsp;from Autism Speaks Executive Vice President for Programs &amp; Services Peter Bell</strong></em></p>
<p>May 29, 2012</p>
<p>Dear friends,</p>
<p>Almost two months have passed since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the shocking results of its latest prevalence study&mdash;1 in 88 American children, 1 in 54 boys, now has an autism diagnosis. This news was accompanied by the release of an Autism Speaks/Goldman Sachs study, which estimates the annual cost of autism in the U.S. has soared to $126 billion, a burden borne in large part&nbsp;by families. These statistics confirm what we have known for some time: <strong>AUTISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY THAT DEMANDS URGENT ACTION. </strong>We need a national plan to meet the challenge. We need a coordinated, strategic approach, among all federal agencies and the administration, to ensure that funding and research for autism is adequate, focused and effective.&nbsp;</p>
<p>These developments mark a reversal in positive momentum&nbsp;since last September when President Obama signed the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA), which extended the federal investment in autism at current levels over the ensuing three years. As part of CARA, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC), which steers federal autism research, was to be reconstituted. The new IACC not only has yet to meet, its first meeting won&rsquo;t be held until July 10<sup>th</sup> &ndash; a full nine months after CARA became law. That&rsquo;s exactly 25% of the way through the three year authorization period. In the midst of the autism epidemic, this is an unconscionable situation. Where&rsquo;s the urgency?</p>
<p>Unfortunately, a coordinated, strategic approach to autism has yet to materialize.&nbsp;A $21.3 million annual appropriation authorized under CARA for the CDC to &nbsp;continue tracking autism prevalence, to &nbsp;research the multiple causes of autism and to promote early detection&nbsp;is now in jeopardy as a result of the current federal budget process. The White House broke with established procedure by placing the appropriation within the politically sensitive Affordable Care Act in President Obama&rsquo;s proposed budget for fiscal year 2013. The appropriation is now in danger of failing due to politics, rather than any debate over its merits. There was no reason to inject the CDC funding into a political debate that has nothing to do with autism. There is no room for politics in autism.</p>
<p>Our concerns don&rsquo;t stop there. In structuring the Affordable Care Act of 2010, Congress made it very clear that behavioral health treatments, including applied behavior analysis for autism, must be a part of the Essential Health Benefits package. Every health plan offered through the state exchange system is required to include these benefits by 2014. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is charged with implementing the law, needs to urge policymakers at all levels of the government to abide by the intent of the Congress. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, who had the language inserted in the version of the bill that became law, along with Representative Mike Doyle, other members of Congress, and Autism Speaks, have pressed the Obama administration on this oversight, but our shared concerns have yet to be addressed.</p>
<p>As these concerns from the autism community mount, we have watched the White House roll out a bold new plan for fighting Alzheimer&rsquo;s that is commendable both in spirit and in purpose. The &ldquo;National Plan for Addressing Alzheimer&rsquo;s Disease&rdquo; was launched in early 2011 and has already resulted in a large infusion of additional funding ($150 million) to support research, provider education and public awareness. Last week, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/05/20120515a.html">announced even more actions</a> including the funding of two major clinical trials, the development of new training for clinicians, and a new public education campaign and website to help families and caregivers find the services and support they need. We commend the administration for taking these bold steps to fight a medical condition that severely impacts millions of Americans during the final years of their lives. Those affected by autism need and deserve a similar focused and committed strategy from the federal government.</p>
<p>On matters of policy and funding, Autism Speaks and the autism community have succeeded when we&rsquo;ve made our voices heard. Our active and growing grassroots base of advocates has been there when we issued the call to rally. We will continue to press our case with the Obama administration and members of Congress as events unfold this year. We ask that you join with us in this important effort. You can help by following&nbsp;our messages, staying&nbsp;informed by visiting our <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.3909853/k.BE44/Home.htm">Autism Votes website</a>, signing&nbsp;up to receive updates and continuing&nbsp;to respond when there is a need&nbsp;to take action. As always, we thank you for your unwavering support in advocating for the autism community.</p>
<p>Respectfully yours,</p>
<p>Peter</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/05/29/federal-response-autism#commentsautismAutism SpeaksAutism VotesAwarenessCDCGovernment RelationsGovernment RelationsPeter BellprevalenceTue, 29 May 2012 15:17:16 +0000alison.dyer141916 at https://www.autismspeaks.orgCongress Briefed on Rising Prevalence, Cost of Autismhttps://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/05/02/congress-briefed-rising-prevalence-cost-autism
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/blog/1.jpg" style="margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; float: left; width: 150px; height: 203px; " title="Andy Shih" />The Congressional Autism Caucus hosted a Capitol Hill briefing on the recently announced increase in the prevalence of autism and a related study showing how the costs to society and individual families for autism care have soared. The briefing was conducted as Congress weighed budget measures that could cripple the ability of the federal government to continue tracking the growth in autism.</p>
<p>Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Mike Doyle (D-PA), the co-chairs of the Congressional Autism Caucus, sponsored the briefing that was set up to inform Congressional staff and the public on the recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing the prevalence of autism has grown to 1 in 88 children and 1 in 54 boys. In addition, Andy Shih, Autism Speaks&rsquo; vice president for scientific affairs, briefed the audience on a new Autism Speaks-funded study which found the economic cost of autism to the United States now exceeds the Gross Domestic Product of 141 nations around the globe and ranges from $1.4 million to $2.3 million per individual.</p>
<p>&ldquo;We already know the burden on families affected by autism is enormous,&rdquo; Shih said. &rdquo;The extraordinary cost further exacerbates that burden. The time and effort involved in coordinating the care and treatment plan across a large number of providers has reduced the ability of many families to earn a living.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Shih (left) joined two CDC experts who were questioned by the audience about the agency&rsquo;s commitment to match the rise in autismwith increased research. The CDC experts were also asked why the agency does not undertake more definitive research on the impact of environmental factors, including vaccines,on rising autism rates.</p>
<p>Jon Baio, Ed.S., principal investigator for the CDC&rsquo;s Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Network (ADDM), and Marshalyn Yeargin-Allsopp, M.D., who heads the developmental disabilities&nbsp; branch of the CDC&rsquo;s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, defended the CDC&rsquo;s response to the rise of autism, noting that 76 percent of autism research funding is provided by the federal government.</p>
<p>The CDC researchers said they are focusing on better identifying the risk factors associated with autism. The 78 percent jump in autism prevalence rates between 2002 and 2008 is a result of increased awareness and various risk factors, but how much each is a factor is poorly understood, said Baio.</p>
<p>Baio also said the CDC&rsquo;s Study to Explore Early Development (SEED) is exploring risk factors by looking simultaneously at characteristics of autism, environmental factors and genes.</p>
<p>Congressman Smith (right) noted the &ldquo;physical, emotional and economic toll&rdquo; autism takes on families and caregivers, and the importance of early intervention in helping children with autism gain independence. Smith noted how federal funding for tracking autism prevalence evolved from a study of an autism &ldquo;cluster&rdquo; in Brick Township, New Jersey into a continuing nationwide surveillance program conducted by the CDC.</p>
<p>The ability of the CDC to continue that surveillance, however, is now jeopardized as a $21.3 million appropriation for the work is in danger of being cut from the 2013 federal budget. The funding had been authorized last year as part of the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act (CARA).</p>
<p>Shih in his remarks said the Autism Speaks-funded study was conducted by Dr. Martin Knapp, of the London School of Economics, and Dr. David Mandell, of the University of Pennsylvania. Autism Speaks has funded another year of study by the researchers to examine how the use of autism therapies reduces lifetime costs associated with autism, he said.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Their investigation will focus on both intensive preschool behavioral interventions and vocational interventions that support an individual&rsquo;s independence during the transition to adulthood,&rdquo; Shih said. &ldquo;Calculations will take into account costs related to healthcare, education, caregiving, housing, and employment.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The new study will provide a clearer picture on how early intervention can reduce costs, Shih said, but noted that many individuals with autism continue to require services into adulthood. &ldquo;The challenge therefore is also about being smarter with how we invest in a good care system for individuals and families living with autism.&rdquo;</p>
https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/05/02/congress-briefed-rising-prevalence-cost-autism#commentsAndy ShihautismAutism SpeaksCDCCongressDr. Martin KnappGovernment RelationsGovernment RelationsWed, 02 May 2012 15:43:49 +0000alison.dyer139876 at https://www.autismspeaks.orgThe Month in Review: Autism Speaks January 2011 Impacthttps://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/02/07/month-review-autism-speaks-january-2011-impact
<p>January got everyone off and running quickly as we ramped up several new programs and initiatives for 2012 and literally hit the ground running. In late January, the New York Times broke a story about the proposed DSM-5 change that triggered an avalanche of discussion, concern and more. To get the latest, catch up on <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/policy-statements/statement-revisions-dsm-definition-autism-spectrum-disorder">Autism Speaks DSM-5 policy statement and FAQ</a>. Enjoy this month&rsquo;s impact highlights! <strong>Science </strong></p>
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<p class="rtecenter" style=""><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/images/blog/dsm5.jpg" style="width: 300px; height: 144px;" /></p>
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<strong>Top Ten </strong>January proved to be another lively month, beginning with continued media coverage of our <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/top-ten-autism-research-achievements-2011">Top Ten Autism Research Achievements of 2011</a> and the publication of Geri&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/annual-letter-chief-science-officer">annual letter from the CSO</a>. The month culminated with considerable media coverage and community concern about proposed revisions to the medical definition of autism spectrum disorder in the 5<sup>th</sup> edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Understandably, our families are concerned about the potential implications for diagnosis and access to services, and our science leadership has been providing perspective through national media as well as our own <a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2012/01/20/the-changing-definition-of-autism-critical-issues-ahead/">blog</a> and a heavily attended <a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2012/01/20/chat-dsm5/">webchat</a>. We will be working hard to ensure that the DSM changes do not exclude access to needed services.</li>
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<strong>Research! </strong>We awarded the first annual <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/2012-geier-grant-environmental-research">Philip and Faith Geier Autism Research Grant in Environmental Sciences</a>, to epidemiologist Daniele Fallin, of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, for her cutting-edge research on gene-environment interactions.</li>
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<strong>Adults with Autism&nbsp; </strong>We hosted &ldquo;Adults with Autism: Sharing Ideas, Filling the Gaps,&rdquo; a research summit focused on adults development, services, and treatments.&nbsp; Held in North Carolina, we brought together major donors, scientists, clinicians, and staff to discuss the research Autism Speaks is funding that is investigating what factors lead to the best outcomes in autism, lifetime trajectories, and new services and treatments.&nbsp; Read all about this incredible and unique event on our <a href="http://wp.me/pRNiI-4sW">science blog</a>.</li>
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<strong>Ireland </strong>On Jan 12-13 We held an international conference &ldquo;Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Clinical Practice to Educational Provisions&rdquo; at the Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research at the National University of Ireland, Galway. More than 600 delegates from around the world attended. You can read more on the <a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/?s=ireland+simon">science blog</a>.</li>
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<p><em>Want to dig into Autism Speaks science even further?&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science">Visit the science section</a>&nbsp;of our website, and&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/category/science/">read the latest blog posts</a>&nbsp;from the science department.</em></p>
<p><strong>Family Services</strong></p>
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<strong>Community Grants </strong>Our Family Services <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/grants/community-grants"><strong>Community Grants</strong></a> recipients for 2011 were announced on January 24<sup>th</sup>. Over $1 million in awards were issued to 53 community services organizations in the United States and Canada. The focus of the Family Services Community Grants is to promote autism services that enhance the lives of those affected by autism while expanding the field of service providers. The next round of Family Services Community Grants will be announced in February.</li>
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<strong>Video Glossary </strong>On January 5<sup>th</sup>, we launched an updated version of the<strong> </strong><a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/video-glossary"><strong>Autism Video Glossary</strong></a> &ndash; a section on autism treatments.&nbsp;Like the first phase, this was&nbsp;a&nbsp;collaborative effort between Autism Speaks, First Signs and Florida State&nbsp;University. The new treatment section expands the Video Glossary&rsquo;s library with the inclusion of more than <strong><em>100</em></strong> video clips from actual therapy sessions illustrating <strong><em>22</em></strong> treatments that may be used to help children with autism build skills, connect with peers and family members, and reduce challenging behaviors. It offers families a window into the various treatment options, provides a description of each method, and lists the top five research studies supporting the treatment and where to find more information. Professionals will also find the treatment section useful when working with a family to determine the best course of treatment for a child with autism.</li>
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<strong>Housing </strong>We also launched our <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/housing"><strong>Housing and Residential Support Tool Kit</strong></a> in January.&nbsp;The tool kit includes a written guide, a catalogue of residential options and supports, featured house of the month, housing resources and housing in the news.&nbsp;&nbsp; Our hope is that this tool kit will provide information to individuals with autism and their families as they thinking about housing and residential support options.</li>
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<p><em>Stay up to date with the latest from Family Services in a variety of ways!&nbsp;<a href="http://events.autismspeaks.org/site/c.jqLTI1OxGlF/b.5766483/k.3E56/Community_Connections_Sign_Up/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp?c=jqLTI1OxGlF&amp;b=5766483&amp;en=cdLAJGMlFbKCKHOqG8IzENPvFgLGLMNiF5KKIZPALrE">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our monthly &ldquo;community connections&rdquo; newsletter,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services">Bookmark</a>&nbsp;the Family Services page on our website&nbsp;or<a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/category/family-services/">&nbsp;read Family Services related blog posts</a>.</em></p>
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<p><strong>Advocacy</strong></p>
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<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/images/blog/house-in-hand_0.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 333px;" /></p>
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<a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2012/01/31/military-familiest-congress-briefing/"><strong>Military Families Sound Off</strong></a> Military families finally got their say before Congress about the shortcomings in their autism insurance benefits, including the loss of all autism benefits when they retire. Autism Speaks helped organize the event and rally military families to the Capitol Hill briefing which resulted in an overflow room. Rep. John Larson of Connecticut, who is sponsoring the Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act, called the plight of America&rsquo;s military families raising kids with autism &ldquo;immoral.&rdquo;</li>
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<strong>And They&rsquo;re Off! </strong>&nbsp;Autism insurance reform campaigns in the states have launched with new bills introduced in <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4411965/k.CA29/Utah.htm">Utah</a> and <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4411941/k.CE6A/Nebraska.htm">Nebraska</a>, a bill expanding existing benefits launched in <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4411969/k.C930/Vermont.htm">Vermont</a> and a bill protecting coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis already voted out of the <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.4445103/k.D5E8/Virginia.htm">Virginia</a> Legislature and on the desk of Governor Robert McDonnell. Autism Speaks has spearheaded autism insurance reform campaigns nationally that have resulted in 29 states representing 70 percent of the U.S. population now protected by such laws.</li>
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<strong>&lsquo;Show Me&rsquo; State Shows the Facts on Autism Insurance </strong>The Missouri Department of Insurance has released an<a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=frKNI3PCImE&amp;b=3930723&amp;ct=11617397"> analysis</a> of its year-old autism insurance reform law showing that the impact on premiums was 0.1 percent, a fraction of the 3 percent impact used by insurance industry lobbyists in their efforts to defeat such laws. The Missouri analysis was consistent with findings Autism Speaks has gathered from five other states showing that the implementation of autism insurance coverage has minimal impact on premiums.</li>
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<p><em>Want to get more involved with Autism Speaks advocacy efforts? Sign up to become an advocate on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/">www.autismvotes.org</a>&nbsp;or text &ldquo;AVotes&rdquo; to 30644 to be added to our mobile alert list.</em></p>
<p><strong>Awareness</strong></p>
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<strong>Gooooooaaaaal!</strong> In collaboration with Autism Speaks U, <a href="http://colgate.edu/autism">Colgate University&rsquo;s Women&rsquo;s Hockey</a> team is hosting their 2nd annual Autism Awareness Project on February 3, 1011. This project is in support of their team manager, Kati Williams, who is a local teenager on the autism spectrum. Through their various fundraising and awareness efforts they hope to have over 1,200 fans attend the game to help shine a bright light on autism.</li>
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<strong>T-shirt Madness</strong> Autism Speaks was introduced with a unique and innovative fundraising opportunity with the company <a href="http://sevenly.org/causes">Sevenly</a>. Sevenly designed a custom t-shirt for Autism Speaks and used social media to spread awareness and raise funds! Learn more here and be sad that you missed your chance to get a shirt!</li>
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<p><em>Want to stay up to date on our awareness efforts?&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/category/awareness/">Visit the blog</a>&nbsp;for the latest info&hellip; that page is also &ldquo;RSS&rdquo; enabled so you can add it to your newsreader!</em></p>
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https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/02/07/month-review-autism-speaks-january-2011-impact#comments60 MinutesAwarenessFamily ServicesGovernment RelationsMonthly RecapSciencetechnologyThis Month in ReviewTue, 07 Feb 2012 15:13:43 +0000126841 at https://www.autismspeaks.orgThe Month in Review: Autism Speaks December 2011 Impacthttps://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/01/05/month-review-autism-speaks-december-2011-impact
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<p>Happy New Year and welcome to 2012! December was a busy month, with lots of last minute fundraising and grant activity. This month's "i</p>
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<p>Happy New Year and welcome to 2012! December was a busy month, with lots of last minute fundraising and grant activity. This month&#39;s &quot;impact&quot; post includes updates from across the organization.&nbsp;We hope the holidays were great for you and yours! As usual, this post is filled with top items from last month that we think made an impact for the community.</p>
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<p><strong>Scie</strong><strong>nce</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/blog/science_top_10_2011_header.png" /></p>
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<strong><strong>Top 10&nbsp;</strong></strong>As is our tradition, we wrapped up the year with the release of our&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/top-ten-autism-research-achievements-2011">Top Ten Autism Research Achievements of 2011</a>, which we hope you&rsquo;ll enjoy.</li>
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<strong>Tokyo </strong>The science team kicked off the month with a trip to Tokyo, where we attended the <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/about-us/press-releases/japan-hosts-first-ever-global-conference-autism">Joint Academic Conference on Autism Spectrum Disorders</a>, co-hosted by Autism Speaks and the Japanese National Institute of Mental Health. The meeting was a great stepping stone in building collaborative scientific relationships with Japan&rsquo;s autism community.</li>
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<strong>Grants </strong>This month, we also <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/science-news/autism-speaks-awards-over-13-million-research-funding">announced</a> over $13 million in grants for 47 autism research projects including identification of environmental influences and early biomarkers, the development of better autism animal models, the creation of the world&rsquo;s largest whole genome autism library, studies on adult development and support, and updates on the cost of autism coupled with calculations on how specific services can reduce lifetime costs. We are especially pleased to announce our funding of the first U.S. autism prevalence study to use total population sampling methods. This study, developed in collaboration with the CDC, follows the lead of last year&rsquo;s ground-breaking study in South Korea, which found an autism prevalence of 1 in 38 among schoolchildren, most of them previously undiagnosed.</li>
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<p><em>Want to dig into Autism Speaks science even further?&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/science">Visit the science section</a>&nbsp;of our website, and&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/category/science/">read the latest blog posts</a>&nbsp;from the science department.</em></p>
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<p><strong>Family Services</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/blog/asp_long_pic.jpg" style="width: 582px; height: 121px; " /></p>
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<strong>Autism Safety Project</strong> This month, we added three new sections to the <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-safety-project">Autism Safety Project portal</a> on our website. The <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-safety-project/community">Safety in the Communit</a>y page consists of tips and resources specifically for a variety of simple experiences and activities that take place in the community such as Interacting with Law Enforcement, Asking for Help, Playing in the Neighborhood and many more. In addition, for the<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-safety-project/in-home"> Safety in the Home</a> page, the Ohio State Medical Center, a recipient of one of our Family Services Community Grants created <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/grants/safe-signals-teaching-high-functioning-young-adults-autism-spectrum-disorders?destination=about-us%2Fgrant-search%2Fresults%2Fohio+state">Safe Signals</a>, a tool kit and video designed to promote fire and burn safety for older teens and young adults with autism. We also included a section on <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/autism-safety-project/abuse">sexual abuse</a> that contains information on how to talk about sexuality, how to prevent sexual abuse, warning signs of sexual abuse, and more.</li>
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<strong>AutismCares</strong>&nbsp;Through a generous donation from HP this month, <a href="http://www.autismcares.org/">AutismCares</a> was able to give out ten Slate 2 tablets to families in need. Tablets like the Slate 2 have been found to be extremely helpful in improving communication skills of individuals with autism. We received a record 2,400 applications for these life-changing devices. Stay tuned for more technology giveaways in January!</li>
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<p><em>Stay up to date with the latest from Family Services in a variety of ways!&nbsp;<a href="http://events.autismspeaks.org/site/c.jqLTI1OxGlF/b.5766483/k.3E56/Community_Connections_Sign_Up/apps/ka/ct/contactus.asp?c=jqLTI1OxGlF&amp;b=5766483&amp;en=cdLAJGMlFbKCKHOqG8IzENPvFgLGLMNiF5KKIZPALrE">Subscribe</a>&nbsp;to our monthly &ldquo;community connections&rdquo; newsletter,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services">Bookmark</a>&nbsp;the Family Services page on our website&nbsp;or<a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/category/family-services/">&nbsp;read Family Services related blog posts</a>.</em></p>
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<p><strong>Advocacy</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/blog/picture_rcw_whitehouse_carasigning_9-30-11.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 345px; " /></p>
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<strong>CARA Persistence pays off!</strong> Over the past summer, <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=frKNI3PCImE&amp;b=3930723&amp;ct=11552637">Autism Speaks energized advocates</a> across the country to urge Congress and President Obama to renew the landmark Combating Autism Act. Because of that hard work, President Obama has signed an appropriations bill approved by Congress that provides $230 million in new federal funding for autism research and services, the first of three new annual installments.</li>
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<strong>Speak Up!</strong> Make your voice heard! The federal government is now implementing the sweeping <a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2011/12/27/autism-benefit-package/">2010 Affordable Care Act</a> reforming American health care. How that law is implemented could profoundly affect insurance coverage for autism diagnoses and treatments. Learn more about the law and what you can do to protect autism benefits here.</li>
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<strong>Military families</strong> raising kids with autism can lose their benefits when they leave active duty. Autism Speaks has helped organize a Jan. 31 Congressional briefing on the <a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/site/c.frKNI3PCImE/b.5141983/k.A9E4/Military_homepage.htm">Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act</a> which would end that inequity. Learn more about this vital issue here.</li>
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<p><em>Want to get more involved with Autism Speaks advocacy efforts? Sign up to become an advocate on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autismvotes.org/">www.autismvotes.org</a>&nbsp;or text &ldquo;AVotes&rdquo; to 30644 to be added to our mobile alert list.</em></p>
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<p><strong>Awareness</strong></p>
<p><img alt="" src="http://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/blog/ap_autismspeaks-021.jpg" style="width: 500px; " /></p>
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<strong>LOL</strong> On Monday December 5, 2011 Autism Speaks and New York Center for Autism (NYCA) honored iconic fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger for his commitment to increasing awareness and support of the autism community at <a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2011/12/06/a-funny-affair/">A Funny Affair for Autism</a> &ndash; a star-studded evening of fashion and comedy that helped raise over 1.3 million dollars for individuals with autism and their families.</li>
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<strong>Blue Tie Blue Jean Ball</strong> On December 1, the Los Angeles Chapter of Autism Speaks held the inaugural <a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2011/12/06/blue-jean-ball/">Blue Tie Blue Jean Ball</a>.&nbsp; In looking back at what made the event so amazing, I attribute it to four key elements: vision, focus, determination, and teamwork. &nbsp;Over 700 people packed the House of Blues on the world famous Sunset Strip to hear the incomparable, beloved and ever gracious Sarah McLachlan sing some of her biggest hits.&nbsp; She was introduced by autism mom and Grammy Award-winning singer Toni Braxton.&nbsp; The show was hosted by comedian Sinbad, who also handled the live auction with humor and zip.</li>
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<p><em>Want to stay up to date on our awareness efforts?&nbsp;<a href="http://blog.autismspeaks.org/category/awareness/">Visit the blog</a>&nbsp;for the latest info&hellip; that page is also &ldquo;RSS&rdquo; enabled so you can add it to your newsreader!</em></p>
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https://www.autismspeaks.org/blog/2012/01/05/month-review-autism-speaks-december-2011-impact#commentsAwarenessAwarenessFamily ServicesFamily ServicesGovernment RelationsGovernment RelationsMonthly RecapScienceScienceThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:21:31 +0000126476 at https://www.autismspeaks.org